I could've won Johnny Depp's art competition but I've been disqualified for living in Blackpool, not the USA

A talented Blackpool artist’s bid for international fame in a competition backed by Hollywood giant Johnny Depp has been foiled at the last minute after he was thrown out owing to a change in the rules.

Adam Salisbury was second in the running to be named the People’s Artist in a US contest endorsed by Hollywood star Johnny Depp. The contest run by Artforum magazine, will see the winner collect a $25,000 (£18,600) prize and their work exhibited at a top gallery in Los Angeles.

Voting is set to end today and Alan was ranked just behind fellow artist Steven East. But this week he received the devastating news that he is no longer eligible for the top honour or the cash prize. He has been told that as a non-USA resident he is ineligible to take part.

But Adam says there was no mention of this in the terms and conditions until this week.

‘I checked my eligibility’

“When entering the competition, I checked and checked again my eligibility,” said Adam. “Had I known at the time, I would never have entered. I want to say a massive thank you to every single person who voted for me and got behind my journey.

“The support has meant the world to me. I’m sorry to everyone who took the time to vote and support me. Please know that every vote, comment, share and message never went unnoticed. While this chapter may be coming to an end, my journey as an artist certainly isn’t.

“I’ve got some exciting projects ahead, some incredible artwork on the way, and I’m more motivated than ever to keep creating, inspiring, and chasing my dreams. It’s annoying how I read all the requirements and T&Cs and nowhere it stated you had to be in the USA… but now I’ve gone back one weekend later and boom it’s there In massive big lettering.

The corridors and wards of Blackpool Victoria Hospital have been transformed in recent years thanks to Adam's murals, including the beloved tram mural on Wards 34 and 35. Artwork in children's wards include characters from Disney classics The Lion king and Frozen.